Medical School Scoring Of Applications 2016 (A100)

Medical School Scoring Of Applications 2016 (A100) International Applicants: The following information will also apply to international applicants. The only difference will be that we expect to interview approximately 40 international applicants (subject to change). The rest of the information is relevant. Home/EU Applicants: The information set out below refers to the admissions procedure for the 5 year medicine course (UCAS code A100). It outlines the initial assessment of UCAS forms and the interview process. Approximately 900 Home/EU applicants are expected to be interviewed, although this is subject to change. Re-applicants: We are willing to consider re-applicants. Those who were unsuccessful following interview would need to demonstrate a significant improvement in their interview score in order to receive an offer. Please Note: We reserve the right to change our scoring system at any point in order to rank applicants appropriately. 1.0 Initial Assessment of UCAS Form 1.1.0 Undergraduate Entry Initial assessment of UCAS forms will be based on academic ability and UKCAT score. Academic ability and UKCAT will each be scored out of 34, giving a total score out of 68. For most applicants, the academic score will be based on A Levels (or IB) and GCSEs, particularly in Science, English Language and Maths. Only the best 6 GCSEs will be included (see page 2 for mandatory subjects), as the number of GCSEs taken by students may be limited at some schools and colleges. Contextual data may be considered when scoring GCSE performance. We only accept foreign language qualifications if the candidate is not a native speaker. Candidates with foreign language GCSEs, A-levels or equivalent may be asked to declare whether or not they are a native speaker of that language. For applicants who have taken qualifications other than GCSEs, an assessment of equivalence will be made. For applicants who have not taken A Levels or International Baccalaureate, an assessment of equivalence will be made. We may ask you to provide us with transcripts of your qualifications, in order for us to assess the UK equivalence through NARIC. Page 1 of 10

1.1.1 Academic Ability Undergraduate applicants must be predicted or have achieved AAA at A Level or 36 points (excluding core or bonus points) in the International Baccalaureate, in line with our standard offer. 30 points, out of the maximum total of 34 points, will derive from GCSE qualifications. GCSEs: 6 GCSE qualifications will be taken into account as below: English language Maths Double Science (2) Best two other subjects GCSE scoring will be as follows: A* = 5 A = 4 B = 3 C = 2 D = 1 OR English language Maths Chemistry Biology Best two other subjects When scoring, we will only take into account initial GCSE grades. No resit grades will be considered. For mature applicants, GCSE grades taken in Year 10 of school will still be considered, unless there is substantial mitigation which we have confirmed we will accept before application. Achieved AS Levels: Additional points will be available for applicants who have not yet completed their A Levels but include AS results on their UCAS application. In order for applicants to obtain these additional points, their AS results must be declared in the completed qualifications section of the UCAS form. Please note that no UMS Marks or unit grades will be considered and AS results declared in a reference will not be sufficient. Applicants may request that their school writes in separately in situations where AS results are not usually certified. We would need to receive this information on letterhead before the UCAS closing date of 15 October. Maximum marks available = 4 (up to the maximum total of 34 points) Up to a maximum of 4 AS Levels, including Chemistry & Biology and excluding Critical Thinking & General Studies. Only one Mathematics subject will be taken into account. Therefore, an applicant studying Mathematics and Further Mathematics will have only one of these subjects considered as part of the scoring below. A = 1 B or below = 0 Page 2 of 10

Example scoring for applicants with predicted A Levels: GCSE AS Level English Language A 4 Chemistry A 1 Maths A* 5 Biology A 1 Chemistry A* 5 Maths A 1 Biology A* 5 Psychology B 0 Physics A* 5 AS Level Total 3/4 Business Studies A 4 GCSE Total 28/30 Academic Grand Total = 31/34 Achieved A Level Results: Additional points will be available for applicants who have already obtained A Levels. Maximum marks available = 9 (up to the maximum total of 34 points) 3 best A Levels, including Chemistry and excluding Critical Thinking & General Studies. Only one Mathematics subject will be taken into account. Therefore, an applicant studying Mathematics and Further Mathematics will have only one of these subjects considered as part of the scoring below. A* = 3 A = 2 Example scoring for applicants with obtained A Levels: GCSE A Level English Language B 3 Chemistry A* 3 Maths A* 5 Biology A 2 Chemistry A 4 Maths A 2 Biology A* 5 A Level Total 7/9 Physics A* 5 Business Studies A 4 GCSE Total 26/30 Academic Grand Total = 33/34 The AS results of applicants who have completed their A Levels will not be taken into account in the scoring of academic attainment. However, applicants must meet our minimum entry requirements (4 AS levels including Biology & Chemistry). For applicants who have obtained an A2 during a different year to the rest of their A Levels this grade will not be taken into account for scoring purposes. Resits of A Level exams or, A Levels taken over more than two years, will not normally be considered, unless the applicant has substantial mitigation and has received confirmation from the medical school that this will be accepted prior to applying. Page 3 of 10

International Baccalaureate Results: There is no equivalent of AS results for applicants taking IB. Academic attainment will be assessed on the basis of GCSE results for applicants applying in Year 13 (as detailed on pages 1 and 2). Additional points will be available for applicants with predicted Higher Level IB results. Predictions must be clearly stated in the qualifications not yet completed section of the UCAS application. IB (Predicted) Maximum marks available = 4 (up to the maximum total of 34 points) Including Chemistry & Biology and excluding any core or bonus points 7 points predicted at Higher Level = 1 37 points or more predicted overall = 1 Example scoring for applicants with predicted IB: GCSE IB (HL) predicted English Language A 4 Chemistry 7 1 Maths A* 5 Biology 7 1 Double Science AA 8 Maths 6 0 French A* 5 Overall prediction 37 1 Business Studies A* 5 IB (HL) Total 3/4 GCSE Total 27/30 Academic Grand Total = 30/34 Applicants who have already obtained the IB will be awarded additional points as follows: IB (Obtained) Maximum marks available = 9 (up to the 34 point total) The best 3 Higher Level subjects, including Chemistry & Biology 7 points obtained at HL = 3 6 points obtained at HL = 2 Example scoring for applicants with obtained IB: GCSE IB (HL) obtained English Language A* 5 Chemistry 7 3 Maths A* 5 Biology 6 2 Double Science AA 8 Maths 6 2 French A* 5 IB (HL)Total 7/9 Business Studies A* 5 GCSE Total 28/30 Academic Grand Total = 34/34 Resits of IB exams or, IB taken over more than two years, will not normally be considered, unless the applicant has substantial mitigation and has received confirmation from the medical school that this will be accepted prior to applying. Page 4 of 10

1.1.2 UKCAT UKCAT will be scored according to the total, as follows: 3400 + = 34 3000 + = 30 2600 + = 26 2200 + = 22 3350 + = 33.5 2950 + = 29.5 2550 + = 25.5 2150 + = 21.5 3300 + = 33 2900 + = 29 2500 + = 25 2100 + = 21 3250 + = 32.5 2850 + = 28.5 2450 + = 24.5 2050 + = 20.5 3200 + = 32 2800 + = 28 2400 + = 24 2000 + = 20 3150 + = 31.5 2750 + = 27.5 2350 + = 23.5 Etc 3100 + = 31 2700 + = 27 2300 + = 23 3050 + = 30.5 2650 + = 26.5 2250 + = 22.5 The Situational Judgement test may be used as a virtual multiple mini-interview station for 2016/17 applications. 1.1.3 UKCATSEN Applicants are entitled to sit the UKCATSEN if they normally require additional time for public examinations based upon a medical diagnosis or report from a specialist teacher. This is likely to relate to applicants with dyslexia, dyspraxia, dysgraphia, dysorthographia, attention deficit disorder or working memory deficit. This may also apply to a range of other medical conditions. Please Note: Applicants who sit the UKCATSEN will be required to provide supporting evidence before any potential offer is made. 1.2.0 Graduate Entry (A100, 5 Year Course) We will consider applicants with degrees in any discipline who have either graduated or are in the final year of their degree. Applicants must have achieved or be predicted a minimum of an upper second class honours degree. In addition, applicants who have not studied a science A Level or degree, must have at least a B grade in two GCSE science subjects (chemistry, biology or physics or double science). Initial assessment of UCAS forms will be based on academic ability and UKCAT score. Academic ability and UKCAT will each be scored out of 34, giving a total score out of 68. For most applicants academic ability will be based on GCSE and A-level grades, with a contribution from the degree. For applicants who have taken qualifications other than GCSE and A Levels, an assessment of equivalence will be made. For applicants who are offering a degree that is not classified in the same way as the UK honours classification, an assessment of equivalence will be made. We may ask you to provide us with transcripts of your qualifications, in order for us to assess the UK equivalence through NARIC. Page 5 of 10

1.2.1 Academic Ability 15 points out of the maximum total of 34 points, will derive from GCSEs: 5 GCSEs including English language, Maths, two sciences + other best GCSE (first sitting only). A/A* = 3 B = 2 C = 0 15 points out of the maximum total of 34 points, will derive from A Levels: 3 best A Levels, excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking A/A* = 5 (or 4 if taken over 3 year period) B = 4 (or 2 if done over 3 year period) C = 2 (or 0 if done over 3 year period) 4 points out of the maximum total of 34 points, will derive from Degree prediction/obtainment: First Class obtained = 4 First Class predicted = 3 Upper Second Class obtained = 2 Upper Second Class predicted = 1 For example: Scoring for an Final Year Graduate GCSEs English Language B = 2 Maths A = 3 Chemistry A* = 3 Biology B = 2 French B = 2 GCSE Total = 12 A Level Chemistry A = 5 Biology B = 4 Maths B = 4 A Level Total = 13 Degree Prediction First Class Honours = 3 Academic Grand Total = 28/34 Scoring for a Graduate GCSEs English Language B = 2 Maths A = 3 Chemistry A* = 3 Biology B = 2 French B = 2 GCSE Total = 12 A Level Chemistry A = 5 Biology B = 4 Maths B = 4 A Level Total = 13 Degree Obtainment First Class Honours = 4 Academic Grand Total = 29/34 1.2.2 UKCAT The UKCAT will be assessed in the same way as for undergraduate entry (see pages 4 and 5). 1.2.3 UKCATSEN The conditions for applicants sitting the UKCATSEN will be the same as for undergraduate entry (see page 5). Page 6 of 10

1.3 Other Qualifications Applicants offering other qualifications will be assessed according to their achievements, taking into account the grading systems that are used. The greatest credit will be given for achievements at the highest level awarded. We may ask you to provide us with transcripts of your qualifications, in order for us to assess the UK equivalence through NARIC. 1.3.1 Access to Medicine Many Access applicants are from non-traditional educational backgrounds and, therefore, a standard format for assessing academic attainment is not appropriate and they will be considered on an individual basis. Academic performance, UKCAT, work experience, personal statements and reference will all be considered. If applicants are taking the Access course in lieu of science A Levels, but have a non-science degree, they will still be scored as graduate applicants. In this situation, although the Access course will not form part of the initial academic scoring, when assessing borderline applicants, it may improve the personal quality score. 1.4 Outcome of Assessment of Academic Ability & UKCAT Following scoring of academic ability and UKCAT, applicants will be ranked. The highest ranked applicants will be invited for interview. The lowest ranked applicants will not be considered further. The personal statement and reference will be used to allow us to distinguish between borderline applicants (see 1.5). 1.5 Assessment of Personal Qualities The personal statement and reference may be used (see 1.4) to generate a combined score out of 10, giving a total score for Personal Qualities. Where appropriate, the Personal Qualities score will be added to the academic and UKCAT score in order to determine the final ranking and selection for interview. We are looking for individuals that will make caring and compassionate doctors and we adopt a value based recruitment procedure following academic scoring. The following attributes will be considered: Motivation Commitment Appreciation of challenges of a medical career Work experience Extracurricular activities Contribution to school/college life Contribution to wider community Written communication skills Support from teachers/staff Confirmation of some aspects of personal statement in reference Page 7 of 10

1.6 Mitigating Circumstances We aim to be as inclusive as possible and therefore, will give due consideration to any mitigating circumstances that may have affected your academic achievement. Please view our Mitigating Circumstances Guide, which applies primarily to our current students but also provides a definition of mitigation and depicts the kind of unusual circumstances which may constitute special consideration. Possible circumstances may include (but are not limited to) the following: Personal health Close family health Domestic circumstances Educational disadvantage Educational disruption It is essential that you contact us (in writing) as soon as possible if you believe that your academic achievement has been affected by any of the above, as we may be able take these issues into account when assessing your application. In order for mitigation to be considered, an official letter must be provided by the relevant professional (school/college/university/health consultant/gp) to corroborate such circumstances. This letter should include the applicant s full name and UCAS number. It should be printed on letterhead, signed, dated and sent directly from the author to the following address: Leicester Medical School, Medical School Office, Maurice Shock Building, PO Box 138, University Road, Leicester, LE1 9HN, UK The evidence must explain: (1) what the circumstance is; (2) exactly how it affected you in relation to your studies; (3) precisely when (i.e. identifying which assessments were affected); All mitigation and supporting documents must be received by 15 October 2015. 1.6 Additional Information If an applicant wishes to submit additional information to support their application, we must receive any documentation/correspondence by 15 October 2015. Page 8 of 10

2.0 Interview Interviews will be held in a multiple mini-interview (MMI) style for 2016 entry and will comprise a number of varied stations lasting about an hour in total. We expect to interview about 910 UK/EU applicants and about 40 international (non-eu) applicants. The Medical School does not endorse any interview courses. This is because we regularly review the interview process so as not to advantage anyone in particular. We reserve the right to change the interview format, although it would be same for all applicants. 2.1 Stations The various stations will assess applicants along the principles of the NHS constitution, Health Education England s Value Based Recruitment, and the GMC S Tomorrow s Doctors. They will include: Verbal communication Written communication Listening Compassion, respect and dignity Emotional intelligence Problem solving Motivation Ethical judgement 2.2 Students with Disabilities, Special Needs and Medical Conditions Applicants with disabilities, special needs (including dyslexia) and medical conditions should enter the relevant disability code on their UCAS application, or inform the Medical School (in writing) immediately after submission of their application. This will ensure that any reasonable adjustments to the interview process can be made. 2.4 Timing of Interview Interviews for 2016 entry to the Medical School are scheduled to take place on the following dates: We reserve the right to alter these dates if necessary Weds 16 and Thurs 17 December 2015 Tues 5, Weds 6, Thurs 7, Tues 12, Weds 13 and Thurs 14 January 2016 W/C 15 February 2016 (provisional dates: Weds 17 and Thurs 18) Please Note: If applicants cannot attend the date that they are given, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to reschedule. Applicants, who know of any dates that they will not be available, should inform the Medical School (in writing) by 15 October 2015. We reserve the right to alter our interview dates. Page 9 of 10

3.0 Decisions Following Interview Each interview station will be scored and applicants will be ranked on the basis of those scores. Approximately 500 offers are expected to be made (subject to change) for our 241 places (224 UK/EU, 17 International). If applicants are equally ranked following interview, the UCAS form score may be used as a tie-breaker. We will endeavour to send out decisions as soon as possible following interview, but please be mindful that our interview process spans a number of weeks, and there are a fixed number of places on the course. The timing of offers can therefore vary from early January to mid-may 2016. If an applicant does not hear from us immediately after interview, this does not necessarily mean that they will be rejected. 3.1 Conditional Offers Selection up to the point of interview will be outwith of any health issue or disability declared. However, a condition of the offer may be a satisfactory Occupational Health review, and possibly referral to the Fitness to Practise Panel. You would be asked for your consent for referral to the Occupational Health department. The referral is to ensure that any reasonable and appropriate modifications to assist your academic performance can be made, but also that you will be able to perform the practical tasks necessary for completion of the course and provisional registration with the GMC. Page 10 of 10